Chapter 4

"Don’t you think this is too much, Gracie?” Ama challenged as she faced herself in the full-length mirror.

Standing confidently in the small dressing room of Gracie’s basement, she wore a striking gold floor-length dress adorned with glitter and feathers around the neckline.

“You're heading to a party with a crowd of elites. No, it’s definitely not too much,” Gracie shot back, meeting Ama's gaze through the mirror.

“I understand, but I refuse to be the center of attention,” Ama asserted, crossing her arms. “Honestly, I’d prefer if no one even noticed me.”

Gracie rolled her eyes. “That’s just absurd. You get one shot to shine among the high and mighty, and you don’t want to look fabulous?” 

“Yes, Gracie, I don’t want to look like a prized doll,” Ama replied firmly, turning to face her friend head-on.

Gracie hesitated, clearly wanting to argue but then chose to drop it. “Fine, I’ll find you something else,” she said, heading to the back room where she kept her collection of dresses.

Ama stripped off the dress, standing confidently in her underwear.

Gracie’s dream was to become a renowned designer, crafting incredible dresses for the wealthy who loved to flaunt their wealth. She didn’t have the funds for fashion school, so she worked multiple part-time jobs to gather materials and studied fashion shows. Now, she created stunning designs in her parents' basement, determined to sell them for a good profit someday.

“You realize that doesn’t mean I don’t find the dress beautiful, right?” Ama called out loud enough for Gracie to hear.

“Yeah,” Gracie replied, her tone subdued.

“I just know it’s not me. I prefer plain and simple dresses,” Ama stated with conviction.

“Found it!” Gracie shouted triumphantly from the back.

Before Ama could move, Gracie bounded out with a dress bag in her hands and a beaming smile.

“You’ll love this one,” Gracie declared, opening the dress bag and revealing the gown inside. 

She thrust it into Ama's arms. “Put it on, Ama,” she insisted, her enthusiasm infectious.

Ama took a moment to analyze the dress. It was a stunning red gown with a deep V-neck and a daring slit. Without hesitation, she slipped it on and strode over to the mirror.

The dress was breathtaking, more so on her, and she couldn’t deny that it was perfect. But still, she had one concern.

“Isn’t it showing a bit too much cleavage?” she asked, observing her reflection critically.

“Nope. It’s showing just the right amount. Now please accept this one because I’m out of options,” Gracie insisted, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Ama still appeared unsure.

“Come on, Ama, this dress was practically made for you! Just look at how it hugs your curves; even I, as a girl, can admit you look phenomenal,” Gracie urged.

Ama chuckled at that. “Thanks, Gracie. That’s the motivation I needed,” she said with a smirk.

“You know I always tell you the truth,” Gracie grinned, clearly pleased.

Ama returned the smile.

“But seriously, thank you for letting me borrow one of your dresses. I truly appreciate it,” Ama said, her tone now sincere.

“How could I say no to having you wear one of my designs at the biggest event of the year?” Gracie waved off Ama’s gratitude with a smile.

“You’re the best,” Ama said, taking off the dress.

She handed it back to Gracie, who carefully placed it in the dress bag.

“Just promise me you’ll own the night and make those rich men fall at your feet, begging for your attention. I’ll be living vicariously through you,” Gracie said, handing the bag over with conviction.

“I solemnly promise my dear friend,” Ama replied, placing her hand over her heart, the sincerity evident in her tone.

They both laughed at the playful formality of the statement.

***

Back home, Ama stared at her reflection, fully focused while doing a breathing exercise.

She had received the invitation needed to enter the gala from Mr. Reynolds, which arrived via mail. Along with it was a small piece of paper with a handwritten note.

“Best of luck, Miss West.”

She held onto that paper tightly, recognizing that she would need every bit of luck she could gather.

After a few more deep breaths, she stood up and picked up the dress resting atop her bed. She admired it for a moment, recognizing its beauty. Without allowing any second thoughts to creep in, she slipped it on.

Next, she styled her hair into an elegant bun, using some pins to secure it, letting a couple of strands frame her face. Lacking any extravagant jewelry, she chose simple stud earrings and left her neck bare, understanding that less was more, especially with the dress's daring neckline.

Ama slid into the heels Gracie had lent her, knowing that such an iconic dress deserved more than boring flats.

Finally dressed, she took a moment to assess her reflection with determination, feeling a surge of excitement and readiness for the night ahead.

She picked up her purse, a last-minute decision because she needed a place to keep the necklace after grabbing it.

Ama walked confidently to her mother's room and knocked on the door.

No reply came, but she anticipated this. Her mother had descended further into depression, rarely leaving her room except for breakfast and dinner.

“Olivia is at Rebecca's for the night, so don’t expect her back. I’ll be out too, and if you feel like eating, make yourself something or don’t; it’s your choice,” Ama called firmly, ensuring her mother heard her through the door.

****

As soon as Ama stepped out of the cab, she sensed a distinct change in the atmosphere. The upper side radiated a different energy compared to the lower. She had always known this, but now she was experiencing it firsthand.

The cab had stopped near the Blackwood mansion gate because only approved vehicles were permitted within the compound. 

Ama strode into the compound, aware that the walk was a challenge given her unfamiliar heels. The compound was vast, and she felt as if she were navigating a hike.

Finally, reaching the entrance, she noticed a long line ahead of her. She confidently joined the queue, surrounded by people dressed in more extravagant outfits than hers.

“I can’t believe I’m finally here! I was so scared it wouldn’t happen,” the girl in front of her exclaimed, beaming at her friend.

“I know, right? I was on edge when my invitation didn’t arrive early. I thought I’d missed out on this year’s event,” the other girl replied.

The girls continued discussing their luck and their intentions to catch the attention of one of the Blackwood brothers.

Ama rolled her eyes at their chatter.

When it was her turn, she handed the security guard her invitation slip with steady hands. He scrutinized it for a moment, then looked at her with a questioning expression, but she remained composed.

Was this it? Had she been caught before she could even enter? She refused to let fear consume her. The Blackwoods would not intimidate her, and neither would she let thoughts of Olivia's absence weaken her.

“You may go in, Miss,” the security guard said.

She’d heard him correctly, though she was surprised. Was he not going to question her?

“I’m sorry, what?” she replied, maintaining her assertive tone.

“I said you could go in, Miss,” he repeated, clearly annoyed.

“Thank you,” she retorted, walking past him with purpose as she entered the hall, ready to face whatever awaited her.